Lady of the Avenues

There is a bluff in the presidio, towards the end of Washington Boulevard; some call it the Washington Bluffs, others Rob Hill, but it really has no name. There, at the sweeping curve of the road, you will find one of the finest views of the Golden Gate and the Pacific to be had anywhere. I always come back to this place, borne by the waves of sun and water that extend far beyond the boundaries of the eye, and reminisce about times long gone, dreams unfulfilled, and visions yet to be explored. An ancient Chinese couplet haunts me here:

The moon in the water resembles
the moon in the sky;
The person in the heart is
the person in front of you.

The sea-and pine-scented air fills me with hope and the belief that all men and women are made better by a visit to this place. The dream of San Francisco is that humanity might live in harmony with nature but at the same time enjoy the benefits of civilization.

Call to yourself down through the centuries and see if it is not here that you will return. San Francisco isn't just a city, it is a jumping-off point to eternity. In an ocean of light, this is the place.

- Sean O'Reilly, Travelers' Tales San Francisco